The aims of this course are to demonstrate, through lectures and facilitated group discussions, the scientific basis of modern medicine; and the role of basic biological sciences in advancing medical knowledge. The course is suitable for first-year Biology students, as well as students with an interest in human biology and medicine from other Schools and Colleges.

The intended learning outcomes are to enable students (a) to understand the biological basis of a number of diseases of current interest, and the advance in biological knowledge in areas relevant to these; (b) to develop skills in assimilation of information related to particular research topics and balanced discussion in a group setting; and (c) to develop skills in the experimental design of a practical project, working within a group or a team, and in the collection, analysis and presentation of class data.